The faculties of psychology of different Catalan and Balearic universities have joined forces to present the first edition of the Catalan Summer School of Psychology, which will take place from 8 to 11 July 2024, at the Faculty of Philology and Communication of the University of Barcelona. This initiative stems from the agreement signed a year ago between the UB and the Official College of Psychology of Catalonia (COPC), whose main objective was to create an annual meeting point for continuing education in psychology.

This first edition of the Catalan Summer School of Psychology is a major step forward in the lifelong education of professionals in this field in Catalonia. The event has taken shape thanks to the active collaboration of the psychology faculties of the UB, the Universitat Autònoma de Barceloa, the University of Girona, the University of Lleida, the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, the University of the Balearic Islands, the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, the Abat Oliba CEU University, the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya and the Blanquerna University - Ramon Llull University.  

Aimed at teachers, master’s degree students and final-year psychology degree students, as well as professionals from different sectors of the psychology profession, its purpose is to promote collaboration between the different faculties of this branch of knowledge in the Catalan university system, with the idea of creating a dynamic interconnected network that allows common objectives to be achieved in the field of lifelong learning and psychological research.  

Over four intensive days, sixteen training activities will cover a wide range of topics relevant to contemporary psychological practice. These include psychological treatments, advanced psychometrics, care for people with intellectual disabilities, support for families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), healthy leadership and the psychological approach to women survivors of breast cancer. Topics such as eating disorders in children and young people, child and adolescent sexual exploitation, and neuropsychology and neuroplasticity will also be covered.  

Leading experts from the UB are taking part in this first edition. David Gallardo-Pujol, professor of psychology specialising in personality, assessment and psychometrics, is one of the speakers. Other speakers include UB lecturers Ricard Masip, an expert in talent strategies and management development; Magda Rivero, from the Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology; Tània Estapé, co-director of the master's degree in Psycho-oncology; Marta Balagué, an expert in clinical neuropsychology and lecturer at undergraduate and postgraduate level; and Maria Mataró, professor at the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology. In all cases, they are recognised professionals in their respective areas.  

This initiative not only seeks to continuously improve the knowledge and skills of professionals, but also to strengthen the Catalan and Balearic psychological continuity. This promotes a more integrated and collaborative future in the field of psychology that allows us to jointly face the current and future challenges of the profession.